Diplomacy Topics
Gakki steps into summer as the ambassador for a new sustainable fashion line.
As one of the nation’s most popular actresses, Yui Aragaki brings star power to everything she touches, and global fashion retail chain H&M is now hitching their wagon to her star for their upcoming collection.
“Gakki” as she’s fondly known, will be stepping into the role of brand ambassador for the chain’s “Let’s Change” campaign, which kicks off on 27 April, ahead of Golden Week, a string of public holidays that begins on 29 April this year.
The collection features items made from sustainable materials, which the 32-year-old can be seen modelling in a series of photos recently released by H&M Japan.
Earthy tones dominate the collection, which includes a top (1,799 yen) and matching skirt (2,499) made from recycled polyester.
Gakki’s fun, casual style is a perfect fit for jeans made from recycled cotton (4,999 yen), which come with a slit in the hem to create a bohemian look.
Gakki’s confident side shines through in this sleeveless jacket (3,999 yen) and matching shorts (2,999 yen) set, which are also made from recycled cotton.
▼ 100-percent organic cotton is used in this cardigan (2,499 yen), top (1,799 yen) and skirt (2,999 yen) ensemble.
▼ And this shirt dress, which is priced at 2,499 yen.
Speaking about her role as ambassador for the eco-friendly collection, Aragaki says:
By 2030, H&M says it aims to only sell items made with materials that are recycled or procured sustainably, and the company is already 65-percent of the way towards reaching that goal.
With Gakki on board to help promote the new collection, hopefully more retailers and customers will seek out sustainable fashion in future. Because eco-friendly alternatives aren’t just limited to store shopping bags.
Comme par magie Film CompletComme par magie Film CompletEt la fête continue ! Film CompletEt la fête continue ! Film CompletEt la fête continue ! Film CompletSound of Freedom Film CompletSound of Freedom Film CompletL'Abbé Pierre Film CompletL'Abbé Pierre Film CompletSecond tour Film CompletSecond tour Film CompletSecond tour Film CompletNapoléon Film CompletNapoléon Film CompletNapoléon Film CompletPřání Celý FilmChlapec a volavka Celý FilmDen díkůvzdání Celý FilmNapoleon Celý FilmSestry z kouřové sauny Celý FilmSvětloplachost Celý FilmTajemství a smysl života Celý FilmHudba Celý FilmKaraoke blues Celý FilmTrollové 3 Celý FilmWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITEWEBSITE
The trade dynamics between Japan and India serve as a fascinating case study in how nations with distinct cultures and economic strengths can find common ground for mutual growth. With each passing year, the trade ties between these countries continue to deepen, offering a plethora of benefits that extend beyond the exchange of goods and services.
Historical Roots of Trade
The foundation of Japan-India trade dates back centuries, characterized by the ancient Silk Road that facilitated interactions between the East and the Indian subcontinent. However, it was in the modern era that the trade relationship truly flourished, propelled by diplomatic efforts and shared economic interests.
Blossoming Economic Ties
The economic partnership between Japan and India has witnessed exponential growth. With India's expanding market and Japan's technological prowess, According to Japan Export Data trade relationship has evolved into a win-win situation. While Japan finds a substantial consumer base, India gains access to advanced technologies and capital investment.
Automobile Industry Interplay in Japan
One of the key facets of this trade partnership lies in the automobile industry. Japanese automotive giants have made their presence felt in the Indian market, catering to the country's ever-growing demand for vehicles. This interplay has led to job creation, technology transfer, and a shift in the automotive landscape in India.
Visiting Japanese actress Haruna Kawaguchi was named Taiwan's latest goodwill ambassador Tuesday to attract more tourists from Japan after COVID travel curbs were lifted, according to the island's Tourism Bureau.
Commending the food in Taiwan and the friendliness and kindness of the Taiwanese people, Kawaguchi said at a press conference in Taipei she is "very happy and honored" to be the island's tourism ambassador to promote its charms to Japanese people. She was on her second visit to the island.
With entry restrictions lifted and tourists back in Taiwan after more than two and a half years of border controls, the Tourism Bureau's Deputy Director General Trust H.J. Lin said Kawaguchi will work on an approximate five-day video shoot in Taiwan for the Japanese market.
"While in Taiwan, I hope she tries all the food she wants to eat, sees beautiful sights and scenery, and is involved in the activities she likes, so she can send to Japan through video footage the emotions she experienced," Lin said.
The actress will promote Taiwan in commercials to be aired in Japan from July, according to the bureau.
In 2019, over 2.16 million trips were made by Japanese visitors to Taiwan. Between January and April this year, about 1.63 million trips in total have been made by international visitors to the island, with South Korea and Japan being the top two sources of overseas tourists, data from the bureau showed.
Kawaguchi is known for starring in Japanese TV drama "Ouran High School Host Club" and horror film "P.O.V. - A Cursed Film." Past goodwill ambassadors to promote tourism in Taiwan include Japanese actress Masami Nagasawa and Taiwanese model and actress Lin Chi-ling.
Zběsilá jízda Celý Film
EOS: Příběhy umění z Tokia Celý Film
Citlivý člověk Celý Film
Vymítač ďábla: Znamení víry Celý Film
Ještěr Celý Film
White Plastic Sky Celý Film
Jeanne du Barry - Králova milenka Celý Film
Úsvit Celý Film
DogMan Celý Film
Motorkáři Celý Film
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
WEBSITE
It is not easy to launch a successful sports betting advertising campaign. There are numerous variables to consider, platforms to utilize, and messages to create and broadcast in order to attract new clients. As seasoned SEO and copywriting experts, we delve into the world of casino ads in this essay, emphasizing their importance and the vast network that supports them.
Furthermore, regulations are complex and continuously changing.
How can you effectively cut through the clutter and reach your target audience? We've been in the affiliate sports betting sector for over a decade, and our affiliate software has assisted in the development of hundreds of programs.
Setting Up Your Sports Betting Advertising Campaign
As previously stated, we've been running numerous sports betting advertising and marketing programs for years and have learned a thing or two along the way.
Here are our top recommendations for launching a successful campaign:
Creating an advertising strategy for a sports betting website entails several critical components. These procedures are designed to target the correct demographic and market, generate the most effective commercials, and assure legal and ethical compliance.
Selecting the Best Channels: PPC, Social Media, and Influencers
We've had the most success with sports betting marketing by combining paid advertising, social media, and influencer marketing. Putting all of your eggs in one basket is never a good idea, so spreading your efforts over multiple channels allows you greater flexibility and access to more target consumers across multiple platforms.
Focus on search engines that allow casino advertising and social networks for paid ads. Target keywords such as "sports betting" on Google employ several versions and long-tail keywords.
Facebook and Instagram advertising are also excellent for reaching out to new audiences by casino ads on Facebook.
Social media is critical for increasing brand recognition and engagement.
Post updates, exchange content, hold contests, and initiate debates on a regular basis about:
Focus on aesthetics, behind-the-scenes, and community building on Facebook.
Twitter - Share news and tips, as well as retweet influencers. Engage your audience.
Instagram is a great place to share eye-catching sports and lifestyle photos. Create buzz.
Influencers such as sports commentators, podcasters, streamers, and journalists can lend credibility and visibility to your company. We've had success with the most commonly utilized methods:
Sponsored - pay influencers to mention your brand and share their experience on social media.
Ambassador Programs - Give influencers promotional codes to promote (such as a bonus for new customers).
Sponsor relevant sports betting podcasts and shows with podcast sponsorships.
You may reach new audiences, enhance brand awareness, drive more traffic, and eventually produce more signups and revenue by combining paid ads, social media, and influencer marketing.
The trick is to test to see what works, then optimize and scale up the successful efforts.
Optimizing Your Landing Pages and Creatives
Before boosting traffic to your sports betting ads landing pages and creatives, you must concentrate on crucial factors. Because the CPC for most betting keywords is so costly, you can't afford to send traffic to a page that hasn't been thoroughly tested for the greatest conversions.
Clear Call-to-Action
Your landing pages and betting adverts should include a clear call to action, such as "Bet Now" or "Place Your First Bet Free." This would be determined by your marketing plan, but as a general rule, the offer should be too excellent to pass up.
Make sure the CTA is visible and easy to find. People's attention spans are short, so we must clearly show them what to do next.
Eye-Catching Images
Include photos of fans cheering on their favorite teams or celebrating a victory. Photos or mascots could be used. To signify winnings, you can also use graphics of money or chips. Images help to bring the page to life and keep visitors interested. Simply ensure that the photographs are of good quality and relevant to sports betting or the specific offer you are promoting (for example, the NHL league final).
Mobile-Friendly
Because so many people use the internet through their phones and tablets, your landing pages and casino adverts must be mobile-friendly. Use a responsive design with large text and little clutter. On any device, the sites should load quickly and be simple to navigate.
Visitors who have a horrible mobile experience on your site are unlikely to return.
Increasing your click-through and conversion rates by optimizing key aspects of your sports betting strategy Making a good first impression might convert interested visitors into long-term consumers.
Measuring and Improving Your Campaign’s Performance
Assuming you've completed all of the above steps, go ahead and begin your sports betting advertising campaign; as we previously stated, this is not a "set-it-and-forget-it" exercise. Campaigns should be constantly adjusted, tweaked, improved, and optimized.
Launching your initial gambling ad campaign will offer you an idea of how well your ad is performing, and once you've acquired some data, you can begin analyzing and, subsequently, doubling down on the results.
Track Key Performance Indicators
You must track crucial indicators to evaluate how your sports betting advertising initiatives are performing. For example, using affiliate software like Scaleo, you may get extensive reports in our dashboard to analyze things like:
Impressions: The number of times our gambling advertisements were displayed to potential buyers More impressions equal greater visibility.
Clicks: The number of times people clicked on our betting advertisements. A higher click-through rate indicates that our adverts are reaching the intended audience.
Conversions are the number of clicks that led to a signup or deposit.
Make Optimization Changes
By analyzing the data, you can make modifications to improve your results over time.
Here are some of the simplest steps you can take to optimize your casino ad campaign while you're on the go:
Changing registrations makes it more appealing. Including time-sensitive promotions or bonuses could increase conversions. Rephrasing your present ad copy or developing additional alternatives for eventual split testing
Conclusion
So, there you have it: our advice for establishing profitable sports betting advertising campaigns. Do rigorous research, identify your target audience, write a compelling message, select impactful content, and disseminate through the appropriate channels, as with any marketing effort. The casino ad, gambling advertising, and online betting ads all play pivotal roles in this journey.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sports Betting Advertising
Q.1: What kinds of advertisements perform best for sports betting?
The most successful have been display ads, social media ads, and search engine marketing. We may attract audiences who are already engaged in the industry by displaying ads on sports and betting websites. Social media ads, particularly those on Facebook and Instagram, can be used to target certain demographics and interests. People who are already searching for sports betting keywords are attracted by search adverts.
Q.2: What keywords should I target in sports betting campaigns?
Concentrate on broad terms such as "sports betting," "advertising sports betting" and "Poker advertising". Also, target terms connected to major sports, such as "Blackjack advertising" or "NBA betting," Include synonyms and misspellings as well. The broader your net, the more potential clients you will reach.
Q.3: How much should I bid on keywords?
Begin with a low bid of a few cents per click to see which keywords connect the most with your target audience. Once you've identified keywords that convert, gradually raise bids to boost ad rank and click volume. Keep an eye on your return on investment to ensure that revenue exceeds ad spending.
When it comes to fashion and streetwear, few brands have made as significant an impact in recent years as Yeezy. Created by the enigmatic rapper and designer Kanye West, Yeezy has become synonymous with sleek, minimalist designs, and high-quality materials. Not only has the brand garnered a dedicated following among fashion enthusiasts, but it has also captured the hearts of numerous celebrities. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the famous individuals who can't get enough of Yeezy.
- Kanye West
It's only fitting to start this list with the man behind the brand himself, Kanye West. As the creative force behind Yeezy, Kanye is often spotted wearing his own designs. He has been instrumental in popularizing the brand and setting the tone for its distinctive aesthetic. Whether he's rocking Yeezy sneakers, hoodies, or unique accessories, Kanye West is the ultimate ambassador for his brand.
- Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian, Kanye's ex-wife, and reality TV star, is no stranger to the Yeezy brand. She has been frequently seen wearing Yeezy's signature pieces, both on and off the red carpet. Kim's influence in the fashion industry has undoubtedly contributed to the brand's widespread recognition.
- Beyoncé
Queen Bey herself, Beyoncé Knowles, is another celebrity who has shown her love for Yeezy500. Her Instagram is filled with photos of her rocking Yeezy outfits, from the iconic sneakers to the fashion-forward clothing. Beyoncé's endorsement carries immense weight in the fashion world, and her support has undoubtedly helped Yeezy gain even more prominence.
- Rihanna
Rihanna, the multi-talented singer, fashion designer, and business mogul, has also been spotted wearing Yeezy designs. Known for her bold and edgy style, Rihanna's embrace of the brand showcases Yeezy's versatility and appeal to a wide range of fashion tastes.
- Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber, the Canadian pop sensation, has a strong affinity for Yeezy fashion. He often incorporates Yeezy sneakers and apparel into his casual, street-inspired looks. Justin's youthful fan base undoubtedly becomes more interested in Yeezy through his endorsement.
- Travis Scott
Travis Scott, the rapper and producer known for his unique sense of style, has collaborated with Yeezy on various occasions. His partnership with the brand has resulted in some highly sought-after Yeezy sneakers, further solidifying his connection to the Yeezy brand.
- Gigi Hadid
Supermodel Gigi Hadid is another notable celebrity who has been seen sporting Yeezy pieces. Her impeccable sense of style and influence in the fashion industry make her an important advocate for the brand among the fashion-forward crowd.
- Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, the musician and fashion icon, has never been one to shy away from bold fashion choices. He has been seen wearing Yeezy clothing and sneakers, demonstrating the brand's appeal to those who appreciate unique and trend-setting designs.
Conclusion
Yeezy has transcended being just a fashion brand; it has become a cultural phenomenon. The support and endorsement of these celebrities have played a significant role in establishing Yeezy's reputation and popularity. From Kanye West himself to influential figures like Beyoncé and Rihanna, these celebrities have helped propel Yeezy into the fashion stratosphere. As the brand continues to evolve and release innovative designs, it's safe to say that Yeezy's influence on the fashion industry is here to stay.
In the world of online casinos, promotions play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining players. With the ever-growing competition in the online gambling industry, casinos are constantly looking for innovative ways to entice players and keep them coming back for more. One powerful tool that has gained prominence in recent years is 7Search PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising. In this blog, we will explore the world of online casino promotions and how 7Search PPC can be a game-changer for casinos looking to stand out in a crowded market.
The Importance of Online Casino Promotions
Before we dive into the details of 7Search PPC, let's first understand why online casino promotions are so crucial. In a world where players have a multitude of options at their fingertips, promotions serve as a magnet that draws them in. Here are some key reasons why promotions are essential for online casinos:
1. Attracting New Players
Online casinos are continually vying for the attention of potential players. Promotions provide a compelling reason for newcomers to choose a particular casino over its competitors. Whether it's a generous welcome bonus or free spins on popular slot games, promotions create a sense of excitement and opportunity.
2. Retaining Existing Players
Both enticing new gamers and keeping the ones you already have are crucial. Promotions not only serve as a tool to keep players engaged but also reward loyalty. Regular promotions, such as reload bonuses, cashback offers, and loyalty programs, keep players coming back for more.
3. Boosting Revenue
Promotions are not just about giving away freebies; they are a strategic move to increase revenue. By offering bonuses that require players to deposit and wager a certain amount, casinos can boost their income while providing added value to players.
4. Building Brand Loyalty
Consistent and well-crafted promotions contribute to building brand loyalty. When players associate a casino with exciting and rewarding promotions, they are more likely to become loyal patrons and ambassadors for the brand.
Introducing 7Search PPC
Now that we understand the importance of online casino promotions, let's delve into the power of 7Search PPC and how it can be a game-changer for casinos. 7Search PPC is a digital advertising strategy that allows casinos to bid on specific keywords and display their ads prominently in search engine results. Here's why it's a potent tool for online casinos:
1. Targeted Advertising
One of the key advantages of 7Search PPC is its ability to target specific keywords and demographics. Casinos can choose the keywords that are most relevant to their promotions, ensuring that their ads are shown to users actively searching for casino-related content.
2. Cost-Effective Marketing
Unlike traditional advertising methods, PPC advertising allows casinos to set a budget and pay only when someone clicks on their ad. This cost-effective approach ensures that casinos get the most out of their marketing budget, as they are only paying for actual clicks from potential players.
3. Instant Visibility
With 7Search PPC, casinos can achieve instant visibility in search engine results. This means that when players search for terms like "online casino promotions" or "free spins," the casino's ads can appear at the top of the search results, increasing the likelihood of attracting clicks and conversions.
4. Measurable Results
PPC advertising provides detailed metrics that allow casinos to track the performance of their campaigns. They can analyze click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) to optimize their promotions continually.
5. A/B Testing
PPC advertising also enables A/B testing, where casinos can run multiple ad variations to determine which ones perform best. This data-driven approach helps casinos refine their promotional strategies for maximum effectiveness.
Crafting Effective Casino Promotions with 7Search PPC
Now that we've seen the benefits of 7Search PPC, let's explore how casinos can craft effective promotions using this powerful tool:
1. Keyword Research
Begin by conducting thorough keyword research to identify the most relevant and high-converting keywords in the online casino niche. These keywords should align with your promotion's goals, whether it's attracting new players, promoting a specific game, or boosting deposits.
2. Compelling Ad Copy
Create enticing ad wording to get visitors to click on your advertisement. Highlight the unique selling points of your promotion, such as the size of the bonus, the quality of the games, or any exclusive offers. Use persuasive language and clear calls to action to drive clicks.
3. Landing Page Optimization
Ensure that the landing page linked to your ad is optimized for conversions. The landing page should provide detailed information about the promotion, easy navigation, and a seamless user experience. Use persuasive elements such as testimonials and trust badges to build credibility.
4. Budget Management
Set a realistic budget for your PPC campaign, considering your casino's financial capacity and the potential return on investment. Keep track of your expenditures and modify your budget as needed based on the effectiveness of your advertising.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Optimization
PPC campaigns require ongoing monitoring and optimization. Analyze the performance data regularly and make adjustments as needed. This may include tweaking keywords, ad copy, or landing page elements to improve conversion rates.
Real-Life Success Stories
To illustrate the power of 7Search PPC in the world of online casino promotions, let's look at a couple of real-life success stories:
Case Study 1: "Big Wins Await You!"
A prominent online casino decided to run a PPC campaign with the headline "Big Wins Await You!" targeting keywords related to slot games and jackpots. By optimizing their ad copy and landing pages, they saw a 20% increase in click-through rates and a 15% increase in deposits during the campaign period.
Case Study 2: "Exclusive VIP Experience"
Another online casino promoted an exclusive VIP program through PPC advertising. They strategically targeted keywords related to high-roller players and luxury gaming experiences. The campaign resulted in a 25% increase in VIP sign-ups and a 30% boost in revenue from high-stakes players.
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of online casinos, effective promotions are a must. When combined with the power of 7Search PPC advertising , casinos can create targeted, cost-effective, and highly visible campaigns that drive player acquisition and retention. By following best practices in keyword research, ad copywriting, and continuous optimization, online casinos can leverage the potential of 7Search PPC to unlock new levels of success in the industry.
So, whether you're a seasoned online casino operator or just starting in the business, consider the transformative power of 7Search PPC in crafting and delivering the best online casino promotions that will capture the hearts and wallets of players worldwide.
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
Nigerian writer and journalist, Izunna Okafor, on January 9, 2023, clocked 29 years of age.
Announcing this on his social media handle on Monday, Okafor said he almost forgot that today is his birthday, having been obsessed with the activities of the burial ceremony of his father, Mr. Josephat Okafor Udeze.
The award-winning literary figure and journalist had, in a recent interview with this reporter, described his life as one filled with testimonies, looking back to where and how he started.
Recalling and recounting how hideous it was for him in his early years, particularly in his teens; he appreciated God for His marvelous work and infinite mercies.
He went memory lane to narrate how he studied his primary school (at the Community Primary School, Ebenator) and some parts of his secondary school (at the Community Secondary School, Ebenator) barefooted, and with tattered school uniform, to the credit of his family's background.
According to him, being a son of a palm-wine tapper, hunter and electrician in a rural village; he started struggling his way out early in life, precisely during his secondary days when he began to do some handiworks, such as cutting palmnut, hunting, clearing bushes for farmers, tilling the ground/farmland, packing/dumping sands at village rivers, among menial jobs.
It was from these, which he said he was doing after school hours and on non-school days, that he saved money to publish his first book, ‘Ikem's Adventure’ (a novelette) back then in 2012 during his secondary school days. This, he said, was a single feat that did not only pave way for metamorphosis in the taste of his life story, but also eventually landed him on the track of greatness where he rides and resides till date.
A second son and third child in the family of Mr. Josephat Okafor Udeze and Mrs. Susan Okafor Udeze in Ebenator, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Izunna Okafor, is a novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, editor, translator, publicist, Igbo language activist and an administrator.
He graduated from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where he studied Public Administration. He also holds O.N.D in Public Administration from the same school.
A published and international best-selling author, his books include 'Ikem's Adventure' (his first book) published in Nigeria in 2012, during his secondary school; 'The Curse of A Widow' (his second novel), published in 2013; 'The Faithful Children' (his third book), published in 2014 (which received outstanding recognition in the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Young Nigerian Novelists 2015); ‘Ajọ Enyi’, his debut Igbo novel and fourth book, published in 2015.
With 'Ajọ Enyi', he became the first person to win the Nigerian Writers Award 2015/2016 as the Indigenous Writer of the Year. Also, with Ajọ Enyi, he won the Pita Nwanna Award for Igbo Literature in 2015; and also got shortlisted for The 2015 Young Nigerian Writer of The Year, and the 2017 Nigerian Writers Award.
He has edited and co-edited over 25 books and anthologies (published nationally and internationally).
He has been published in many anthologies, nationally and internationally; has thousands of articles/essays as well as poems and short stories published online and on many platforms, to his credit.
A diglot writer, Okafor writes perfectly in Igbo and English languages, and has published widely in both languages.
He has won and been nominated/shortlisted for a number of awards, which include:
Nigerian Writers Award/Indigenous Writer of the Year 2015/2016
Pita Nwana Prize for Igbos Literature 2015
Society of Young Nigerian Writers Award Nigeria
Heritage Icon Award/Young Writer of the Year Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016
Merit Award from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (2016)
Award of Recognition from Students Union Government, Unizik (2017)
Nigerian Writers Award/Young Writer of the Year 2015/2016
N.Y.S.C. Essay Competition 2012
SLAM Hero Youth International Award/Innovative Youth of the Year 2016
First Prize Winner, NAPAS Essay Competition, 2016
The Future Award Africa 2016
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Youth Writer of the Year 2016
Award of Academic Excellence from National Association of Public Administration Students (2016)
Inspire Award /Outstanding Youth in Academics 2017
NAPAS Academic Icon of the Year 2017
Anambra Campus Award 2017/Campus Writer of the Year 2017
Award of Excellence from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers 2016
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Outstanding Youth of the Year 2017
Youth Writer of the Year 2016
Starlett Entertainment Award/Creative Writer of the Year 2016
Young Author Award, 2018
Creative Crew Africa/Young Talent of the Year 2018, among others
Campus Best Writer of the Year, 2018
Campus Best Journalist of the Year 2018
Young Achievers Award/Best Young Writer of the Year 2019
National Light Staff of the Year 2019
Anambra Media Excellence Award/News Reporter of the Year 2019
Recognition Award, Anambra Through A Lens, 2020
Amazon Masterclass Award/Most Resilient Male Student 2021
Anambra Media Excellence Award/Best News Reporter of the Year 2021
ACORA/Awka Diocese Media Personality of the Week (November) 2021
South East Media Award 2021
Ebedi International Writers Residency (June) 2022
AMEA 2022/Outstanding Indigenous Language Media Content Creator of the Year
He also has some certificates of award, recognition and participation, the most recent of which include:
Certificate of Recognition from the ImpactField Global Initiative (2018)
Certificate of Award from the Applex Art and Creative Crew Africa (2018)
Certificate of Participation (War Against Fake News 2019)
Certificate of Completion for the SprinNG Advancement Fellowship, 2020
Certificate of Participation, Naija Haiku Poetry Workshop, 2020
Wikimedian Certificate from Igbo Wikimedian Hub 2020
Certificate of Appreciation from International Human Rights Art Festival 2020
Amazon Masterclass Certificate, 2021, among others
At the age of 21, Okafor was nominated for The Future Award Africa 2016/African Prize For Education, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious African youths awards.
Aside being a creative writer, Okafor is also an Igbo language activist who has played and continued to play great roles in sustaining and promoting Igbo language and culture. He preaches and takes the 'gospel' of Igbo language and the need for its sustenance to every nook and cranny, ranging from schools to churches, radio/television stations, and to other public places, being part if his own contribution and strategic measures to ensure that the language does not go extinct as predicted by the UNESCO in 2012.
He has also been featured in many radio and television stations across the country on this mission.
In addition to these, Okafor is also a renowned journalist and columnist currently working with Anambra Newspaper and Printing Coporation, the publishers of National Light Newspaper, Ka Ọ Dị Taa (which is the only Igbo Language Newspaper in Nigeria) and Sportslight Xtra.
He also writes for Igbo Radio, which is an online Igbo language news hub headquartered in Canada, and also freelances for other media/publishing houses, both the online and print media.
Okafor is the Coordinator of Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, which is a literary body that hosts Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, an annual literary event held in memory and honour of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, since 2016.
He is the Editor-in-Chief of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology which is an international anthology annually published in honour of Achebe. The most current editions of the anthology include 'Arrows of Words (for Chinua Achebe)', 'Achebe: A Man of the People', ‘There Was a Man’, ‘Achebe the Soul Brother’, among others.
In April, 2020, Okafor was appointed the Project Coordinator, Writers Against COVID-19 Movement. He is the Editor of the COVID-19 Poetry/Essay Anthology, titled 'Ripostes of Locked Down Voices', which is the first international anthology of poems and essays on COVID-19.
He has served as a judge in many national and international writing-related competitions.
He is also an alumnus and 2020 Fellow of the SprinNG Advancement Fellowship, being championed by the SprinNG Literary Movement.
He edits and publishes an annual Special Valentine Poetry Collection, which are all available online for free download.
During his undergraduate days, he was also an Editorial Board member of the FAMASSA Magazine.
He is Ambassador of TFA Africa in Nigeria; and Ambassador of Read Across Nigeria in Anambra State.
An alumnus of Unizik, he is also a former Secretary General of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), as well as the current National Secretary General of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers.
Today, Izunna Okafor marks his 29th birthday.
Congratulations to him.
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
The award-winning young Nigerian writer and journalist, Izunna Okafor has clocked 28 years old, with laudable feats, goodwill and achievements.
In an interview with newsmen, Okafor (born January 9, 1994), said his life has indeed been a testimony, looking back to his background, where and how he started.
Recalling and recounting how hideous it was for him in his early years, particularly in his teens; he appreciated God for His marvelous work and infinite mercies.
He went memory lane to narrate how he studied his primary school (at the Community Primary School, Ebenator) and some parts of his secondary school (at the Community Secondary School, Ebenator) barefooted, and with tattered school uniform, to the credit of his family's background.
According to him, being a son of a palm-wine tapper, hunter and electrician in a rural village; he started struggling his way out early in life, precisely during his secondary days when he began to do some handiworks, such as cutting palmnut, hunting, clearing bushes for farmers, tilling the ground/farmland, packing/dumping sands (in rivers), among things.
It was from these, which he said he was doing after school hours, that he saved money to publish his first book, ‘Ikem's Adventure’ back then in 2012 during his secondary school days —a single act that did not only pave way for metamorphosis in the taste of his life story, but also eventually landed him on the track of greatness where he rides and resides till date.
A second son and third child in the family of Mr. Josephat Okafor Udeze and Mrs. Susan Okafor Udeze in Ebenator, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Izunna Okafor, is an award-winning young Nigerian novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, editor, translator, publicist, Igbo language activist and an administrator.
He graduated from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where he studied Public Administration. He also holds O.N.D in Public Administration from the same school.
A published and best-selling author, Izunna books include 'Ikem's Adventure' (his first book) published in Nigeria in 2012, during his secondary school; 'The Curse of A Widow' (his second novel), published in 2013; 'The Faithful Children' (his third book), published in 2014 (which received outstanding recognition in the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Young Nigerian Novelists 2015); 'Ajọ Enyi,' his debut Igbo novel and fourth book, published in 2015.
With 'Ajo Enyi', he became the first person to win the Nigerian Writers Award 2015/2016 as the Indigenous Writer of the Year. Also, with Ajo Enyi, he won the Pita Nwanna Award for Igbo Literature in 2015; and also got shortlisted for The 2015 Young Nigerian Writer of The Year, and the 2017 Nigerian Writers Award.
His other books include ‘Nzúzù M Egbuo M’ (Igbo novel), ‘Educated Illiterate’, and ‘Teach Me Grammar’.
He has been published in many anthologies, nationally and internationally; has thousands of articles/essays as well as poems and short stories published online to his credit.
A diglot writer, Izunna writes perfectly in Igbo and English languages, and has published widely in both languages.
He has won and been nominated/shortlisted for a number of awards, which include:
He graduated from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where he studied Public Administration. He also holds O.N.D in Public Administration from the same school.
A published and best-selling author, Izunna's books 'Ikem's Adventure' (his first book, published 2012, in his secondary school days) 'The Curse of A Widow' (2013); 'The Faithful Children' (published 2014 and given outstanding recognition in the 2015 Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Young Nigerian Novelists); 'Ajo Enyi' (Igbo novel, published 2015).
With 'Ajo Enyi', he won the 2015/2016 Nigerian Writers Award as the Indigenous Writer of the Year; won the 2015 Society of Young Nigerian Writers Award/Pita Nwanna Award for Igbo Literature; and also got shortlisted for the 2015 Young Nigerian Writer of The Year, and the 2017 Nigerian Writers Award.
His other works include 'African Blood' (a short story), 'Nzúzù M Egbuo M' (Igbo novel), 'Educated Illiterate', and 'Teach Me Grammar'.
He has edited and co-edited over 25 books and anthologies (published nationally and internationally).
He has been published in many magazines, anthologies, journals, etc, both nationally and internationally; has thousands of articles/essays as well as poems and short stories published online to his credit.
A diglot writer, Izunna writes perfectly in Igbo and English languages, and has published widely in both languages.
He has won and been nominated for some prestigious awards which include:
The Nigerian Writers Award/Indigenous Writer of the Year 2015/2016
Pita Nwana Prize for Igbo Literature 2015
Society of Young Nigerian Writers Award Nigeria
Heritage Icon Award/Young Writer of the Year Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016
Merit Award from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (2016)
Award of Recognition from Students Union Government, Unizik (2017)
Nigerian Writers Award/Young Writer of the Year 2015/2016
N.Y.S.C. Essay Competition 2012
SLAM Hero Youth International Award/Innovative Youth of the Year 2016
First Prize Winner, NAPAS Essay Competition, 2016
The Future Award Africa 2016
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Youth Writer of the Year 2016
Award of Academic Excellence from National Association of Public Administration Students (2016)
Inspire Award /Outstanding Youth in Academics 2017
NAPAS Academic Icon of the Year 2017
Anambra Campus Award 2017/Campus Writer of the Year 2017
Award of Excellence from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers 2016
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Outstanding Youth of the Year 2017
Youth Writer of the Year 2016
Starlett Entertainment Award/Creative Writer of the Year 2016
Young Author Award, 2018
Creative Crew Africa/Young Talent of the Year 2018, among others
Campus Best Writer of the Year, 2018
Campus Best Journalist of the Year 2018
Young Achievers Award/Best Young Writer of the Year 2019
National Light Staff of the Year 2019
Anambra Media Excellence Award/News Reporter of the Year 2019
Recognition Award, Anambra Through A Lens, 2020
Amazon Masterclass Award/Most Resilient Male Student 2021
Anambra Media Excellence Award/Best News Reporter of the Year 2021
ACORP/Awka Diocese Media Personality of the Week (November) 2021
South East Media Award 2021
He also has some certificates of award, recognition and participation, the most recent of which include:
Certificate of Recognition from the ImpactField Global Initiative (2018)
Certificate of Award from the Applex Art and Creative Crew Africa (2018)
Certificate of Completion for the SprinNG Advancement Fellowship, 2020
Certificate of Participation, Naija Haiku Poetry Workshop, 2020, among others.
Amazon Masterclass Certificate, 2021, among others
At the age of 21, Izunna was nominated for The Future Award Africa 2016/African Prize For Education, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious African youths awards.
Aside being a creative writer, Izunna is also an Igbo language activist who has played and continued to play great roles in sustaining and promoting Igbo language and culture. He preaches and takes the 'gospel' of Igbo language and the need for its sustenance to every nook and cranny, ranging from schools to churches, radio/television stations, and to other public places, being part if his own contribution and strategic measures to ensure that the language does not go extinct as predicted by the UNESCO in 2012.
He has also been featured in many radio and television stations across the country on this mission.
In addition to these, Izunna is also a renowned journalist and columnist currently working with Anambra Newspaper and Printing Coporation, the publishers of National Light Newspaper, Ka Ọ Dị Taa (which is the only Igbo Language Newspaper in Nigeria) and Sportslight Xtra.
He also writes for Igbo Radio which is an online Igbo language news hub headquartered in Canada, and also freelances for other media/publishing houses, both the online and print media.
Izunna is the Coordinator of Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter, which is a literary body that hosts Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, an annual literary event held in memory and honour of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, since 2016.
He is the Editor-in-Chief of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology which is an international anthology annually published in honour of Achebe. The most current editions of the anthology include 'Arrows of Words (for Chinua Achebe)', and 'Achebe: A Man of the People', ‘There Was a Man’, among others.
In April, 2020, Izunna was appointed the Project Coordinator, Writers Against COVID-19 Movement. He is the editor of the COVID-19 Poetry/Essay Anthology, titled 'Ripostes of Locked Down Voices', which is the first international anthology of poems and essays on COVID-19.
He has served as a judge in many national and international writing-related competitions.
He is also an alumnus and 2020 Fellow of the SprinNG Advancement Fellowship, being championed by the SprinNG Literary Movement.
He edits and publishes an annual Special Valentine Poetry Collection, which are all available online for free download.
During his undergraduate days, he was also an Editorial Board member of the FAMASSA Magazine.
He is Ambassador of TFA Africa in Nigeria; and Ambassador of Read Across Nigeria in Anambra State.
An alumnus of Unizik, he is also a former Secretary General of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), as well as the current National Secretary General of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers.
Today, Izunna Okafor marks his 28th birthday.
Congratulations to him.
It is with a thankful heart of joy that young Nigerian Writer and Journalist, Izunna Okafor excelled unto his 27th rung in the ladder of years.
This was contained in a statement issued by the celebrant, Okafor, who celebrated his silver jubilee last year, being a fellow of January 9th 1994.
Recalling and recounting how hideous it was for him in his early years, particularly in his teens; Okafor, an award-winning said his life was indeed a testimony, and also appreciated God for His marvelous work and infinite mercies.
He went memory lane to narrate how he studied his primary school (at the Community Primary School, Ebenator) and some parts of his secondary school (at the Community Secondary School, Ebenator) barefooted, and with tattered school uniform, to the credit of his family's background.
According to him, being a son of a palm-wine tapper, hunter and electrician in a rural village; he started struggling his way out early in life, precisely during his secondary days when he began to do some handiworks, such as cutting palmnut, clearing bushes for farmers, tilling the ground/farmland, packing/dumping sands (in rivers), among things.
It was from these, which he said he was doing after school hours, that he saved money to publish his first book —Ikem's Adventure— back then in 2012 during his secondary school days —a single act that did not only pave way for metamorphosis in the taste of his life story, but also eventually landed him on the track of greatness where he rides and resides till date.
Born (9th January 1994) to the family of Mr. Josephat Okafor Udeze and Mrs. Susan Okafor Udeze in Ebenator, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Izunna Okafor, is an award-winning young Nigerian Novelist, Poet, Essayist, Journalist, Editor, Translator, Publicist, Igbo Language Activist and an Administrator.
He graduated from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where he studied Public Administration. He also holds O.N.D in Public Administration from the same school.
A published and best-selling author, Izunna books include 'Ikem's Adventure' (his first book) published in Nigeria in 2012, during his secondary school; 'The Curse of A Widow' (his second novel), published in 2013; 'The Faithful Children' (his third book), published in 2014 (which received outstanding recognition in the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Young Nigerian Novelists 2015); 'Ajọ Enyi,' his debut Igbo novel and fourth book, published in 2015.
With 'Ajo Enyi', he became the first person to win the Nigerian Writers Award 2015/2016 as the Indigenous Writer of the Year. Also, with Ajo Enyi, he won the Pita Nwanna Award for Igbo Literature in 2015; and also got shortlisted for The 2015 Young Nigerian Writer of The Year, and the 2017 Nigerian Writers Award.
His other books include "African Blood" (A Short Story), "Nzúzù M Egbuo M," (Igbo novel), "Educated Illiterate," and "Teach Me Grammar."
He has been published in many anthologies, both nationally and internationally; has thousands of articles/essays as well as poems and short stories published online to his credit.
A diglot writer, Izunna writes perfectly in Igbo and English languages, and has published widely in both languages.
He has won and been nominated/shortlisted for a number of awards, which include:
The Nigerian Writers Award/Indigenous Writer of the Year 2015/2016
Pita Nwana Prize for Igbo Literature 2015
Society of Young Nigerian Writers Award Nigeria
Nigeria Heritage Icon Award 2016/Young Writer of the Year, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Merit Award from Society of Young Nigerian Writers (2016)
Award of Recognition from Students Union Government, Unizik (2017)
Nigerian Writers Award/Young Writer of the Year 2015/2016
SLAM Hero Youth International Award/Innovative Youth of the Year 2016
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Youth Writer of the Year 2016
Award of Academic Excellence from the National Association of Public Administration Students (2016)
Inspire Award 2017/Outstanding Youth in Academics
Academic Icon of The Year 2017 (from National Association of Public Administration Students, NAPAS)
Anambra Campus Award 2017/Campus Writer of the Year 2017
Award of Excellence from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers 2016
The Future Award Africa/African Prize for Education, 2016.
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Outstanding Youth of the Year 2017
Youth Writer of the Year 2016
NAPAS Essay Competition 2017
Starlett Entertainment Award/Creative Writer of the Year 2016
Young Author Award, 2018
Creative Crew Africa/Young Talent of the Year 2018, among others
Anambra Campus Award/Campus Best Writer 2018
Anambra Campus Award/Campus Best Journalist of the Year 2018
Best Secretary General of NAPAS (2018)
Young Achievers Award/Best Young Writer of the Year 2019.
Joint Winner, ANPC Best Staff of the Year 2019
Recognition Award, Anambra Through A Lens, 2020
Certificate of Award from SprinNG Literary Movement, 2020
Young Achievers Award/Most Influential Young Writer of the Year, 2020 (though yet-to-be awarded, due to COVID-19)
Certificate of Recognition, from ImpactField Global Initiative, 2018
Certificate of Award from Applex Art and Creative Crew Africa, 2018
Certificate of Completion for the SprinNG Advancement Fellowship, 2020
Certificate of Participation, Naija Haiku Poetry Workshop, 2020, among others.
At the age of 21, Izunna was nominated for The Future Award Africa 2016/African Prize For Education, which is the biggest and most prestigious African Youth Award.
He has been published in many literary magazines, websites, and blogs.
Aside being a creative writer, Izunna is also an Igbo Language Activist who has played and continued to play great roles in sustaining and promoting the Igbo Language and culture. He preaches and takes the 'gospel' of Igbo language and the need for its sustenance to ever nook and cranny, ranging from schools to churches, Radio/Television Stations, and to other public places, being part if his own contribution and strategic measures to ensure that the Igbo Language does not go extinct as predicted by the UNESCO in 2012.
He has also been featured in many radio and television stations across the country on this mission.
In addition to these, Izunna is also a renowned journalist and columnist currently working with the Anambra Newspaper and Printing Coporation, the publishers of National Light Newspaper, Ka Ọ Dị Taa —which is the only Igbo Language Newspaper in Nigeria —and Sportslight Xtra.
He also writes for Igbo Radio which is an online Igbo Language news hub with its headquarter in Canada, as well as freelance for other media/publishing houses, both the online and print media.
Izunna is the Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers q (Anambra State Chapter), as well as the initiator, "Chinua Achebe Literary Festival," which is an annual literary event organized in memory and honour of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, under the umbrella of Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra Chapter.
He is the Editor-in-Chief of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology which is an anthology annually published in honour of Nigerian literary star, Late Prof. Achebe, and which attracts entries and submissions from different countries of the world. The most recent of these anthologies is the "Achebe: A Man of the People" which was published in 2020, during the year's edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival.
Izunna is the Chairman, Project Coordinator, Writers Against COVID-19 Movement, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of the "Ripostes of the Locked Down Voices" which is an international anthology of poems and essays on Coronavirus.
During his undergraduate days, Izunna was part of the editorial team of the FAMASSA Magazine.
He is Ambassador of TFA Africa in Nigeria, and the Ambassador of Read Across Nigeria in Anambra State.
An alumnus of Unizik, he is also a former Secretary General of the National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS), as well as the current National Secretary General of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers.
In 2019, Izunna met and discussed literature with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a literary evening that climaxed the 2019 Purple Hibiscus Creative Writing Workshop, organized by the international literary figure, Adichie.
Written By Izunna Okafor
It is no longer a novelty that every calendar year wakes up and sleeps off with a natural book of many pages. Pages of dreams and visions, pages of imaginations and realities, pages of successes and failures, pages of joy and sorrow, pages of progress and regress, pages of victories and losses, pages of smiles and tears, among many others.
These pages indeed represent what the year holds for men.
Among many others, Nigerian Literary Industry has been a silent character that has tasted a paragraph in virtually all the pages of the natural book in the year 2018. That is to say that a lot of pages have opened and closed to the literary industry as the year 2018 blinks away.
Nigerian Literary industry has been one of the most highly revered industries in the country, owing to her gargantuan contributions towards the development of the country, coupled with the venerable caliber of people therein.
Analytically speaking, the year 2018 was neither all white nor all black for the industry, as many writers recorded while many others were recorded in different books in the year.
For Nigerian writers, the year 2018 began with good news, following the long listing of a 30-year old Ayobami Adebayo in the 'Wellcome Book Prize' on 9th February, for her debut novel “Stay With Me” published in 2017, making her the only African Writer that made it to the list of the highly competitive annual British Literary Award.
Shortly after this, sad news crawled in, following the shocking news of Akinwunmi Ishola's demise on Saturday, 17th February, being the first global sad news to surface from the corner of literary industry across the world in 2018. Prof. Ishola was a Yoruba literary scholar, novelist, playwright and culture icon whose works: Oleku, Efunsetan Aniwura, Koseegbe, Saworoide, Agogo Eewo and Campus Queen were widely regarded as among the best literary works produced by writers of his generation.
This was followed by the death of Mr. Elizabeth Fagunwa, a renowned literary promoter and wife of foremost writer and author, late Chief Daniel O. Fagunwa. Her death was described as a great loss for the Nigerian literary community, owing to the great roles she played in advancing, peaking and championing the cause of literary activities in the country, especially through the Fagunwa Literary Foundation.
Among these, the most recent and most unsavory of all the ugly news that elicited tears from the eyes of Nigerian writers in 2018 was the announcement of Ikeogu Oke's fall on 24th November.
Oke was a great Nigerian bard who, with his classic poem “The Heresiad", won the Africa’s biggest literary prize, the Nigerian Prize for Literature 2017, sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) at the tune of $100,000 (N37m).
On the laudatory flank of the journey, Nigerian creative industry recorded leviathan feats in the year 2018, as many Nigerian writers, both burgeoning and established, proved their worth in the field of pen this year both nationally and internationally, thereby emblazing and embellishing the hope for the advancement of literary arts in Nigeria.
If there is any set of people that have kept Nigeria's image alive and shinny for decades in the international community, it is Nigerian Writers. And this year is not an exception.
Several Nigerian writers toed their foot in the literary field this year while many others advanced in their echelons.
In her corner, a leading character in the Nigerian literary scene, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie indeed recorded some of her greatest achievements in the literary field this year, following her prodigious victories in various international and globally acclaimed literary contests, awards, coupled with other noble honours she received in the year.
Adichie opened the award year with the 2018 Barnes & Nobel ‘Writers for Writers’ award which she received in the fall of the quarter of the year. Shortly after that, the literati has, within couple of months clasp several other awards and Honorary Degrees among which are: the 'Shorty Award 2018', Pen Pinter Prize 2018; 2018 Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award; 2019 Everett M. Rogers Award; Thought Leadership Award from the Global Hope Coalition (GHC);
Honorary Doctor of Literature (DLit) degree, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); University of London, UK; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, Duke University, North Carolina, USA;
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, Amherst College, Massachusetts, USA;
Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree, Bowdoin College, Maine, USA, among others.
Other great and upcoming writers who recorded great feats with their pen in the year include: Anietie Isong whose debut novel "Radio Sunrise" won UK’S biggest literary prize, the 2018 McKItterick Prize; Nigerian-German Efua Traoré who emerged the African regional winner in the world's most global literary prize, the 2018 Commonwealth Short Story Prize; Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto who won the New Hampshire Institute of Art’s 2018 Writing Award, and the Castello di Duino Poesia International Prize 2018; Abimbola Dare who won the 2018 Bath Novel International Award among others. The highly coveted 2018 NLNG Prize for Literature which is the Africa’s biggest Literary Prize (worthing $100,000) went to Soji Cole for his drama 'Embers’. Be it as it may, this year's Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature went to an Ugandan writer Harriet Anena making her the first Ugandan to win the prize, while, with her 'Fanta Blackcurrant', a Kenyan writer Makena Onjerika won the 2018 Caine Prize, in which three Nigerian writers: Nonyelum Ekwempu, Olufunke Ogundimu and Wole Talabi were shortlisted out of 147 entrants from 20 African countries.
It is also worthy to recall that two Nigerian authors: Chimamanda Adichie and Nnedi Okorafor were this year 2018, nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature, for the first time in 36 years, after Wole Soyinka became the first black person to win the world's most coveted literary prize.
Though, due to some circumstances challenging the public confidence in the members of the Swedish Academy hosting the award; the winner of prize was no longer announced this year, but postponed to next year. Nevertheless, one of the Caribbean most renowned authors, Maryse Conde was said to have won an alternative prize created to replace this year's Nobel Literature Prize. Hence, according to the organizers, who were being torn apart by kerfuffle evolving from certain claims and accusations, two Nobel Laureates will be announced next year, being for 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Aside awards and recognitions, many Nigerian writers, especially the young ones published internationally acclaimed books this year. Nigerian literary industry also welcomed new members this year, among whom were topnotch politicians who decided to 'test' their 'fortunes' in creative writing, and hence now wear the badge of 'author'.
The most recent of these politicians turned authors include:
H.E. Sullivan Chime who authored
"An Honour to Serve: Enugu State in the Sullivan Years" and
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who authored 'My Transition Hours'. Professionally as it may have been written, president Jonathan's book surprisingly made it to the list of 15 best books published in the year 2018. Other newly published books and Nigerian authors who made it to the prestigious international list include: ‘Devil’s Pawn’ by Kukogho Iruesiri Samson; 'When Trouble Sleeps' by Leye Adenle; ‘When Day Breaks’ by Adamu Usman Garko (a secondary school student); ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ by Tomi Adeyemi ‘Embers’ by Soji Cole among others.
Nnedi Okorafor, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tochi Onyebuchi, Tomi Adeyemi, Lola Shoneyin, Roye Okupe, and Chika Unigwe had earlier in the year been listed by Pulse as among the authors currently setting the pace in the literary field.
However interesting these may be, it is also more interesting to puff the sore truth that book piracy and plagiarism received great boost in Nigeria in 2018, as reports reveal several cases of the ugly act carried out this year. Even President Jonathan's new book was said to have been pirated by an unknown malignant, in just less than 48 hours after its launching.
However, a number of individuals, groups and nongovernmental organizations in the country played great roles in waging war against this old-centuries global issue which has pauperized many writers across the world. A most recent of this brawl was the one waged by the Anti-Piracy Society of Nigeria in her 2018 annual convention in which the MD/Editor-in-chief of the National Light Newspaper, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, who is also a renowned author and poet lectured on: "Evolving Challenges-Innovative Responses".
It is generally believed that piracy and plagiarism trailed in the year despite the fierce campaigns truculently championed against it.
On the aspect of activities, 2018 recorded the celebration of numerous literary events and activities by Nigerian writers. The outstanding among these literary activities and events include: the 37th Annual National Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors; 2018 CORA Book Party; NSPP Awards Ceremony hosted by Poets In Nigeria (PIN); Lagos Book and Art Festival 2018; Return To Idoto 2018 (in honour of late Poet Christopher Okigbo), hosted by Awka Literary Society; the 2018 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, hosted by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra Chapter); Northern Nigerian Writers’ Summit 2018; the 2018 Ake Arts and Book Festival; Anambra Book and Creativity Festival (ANBUKRAFT) 2018; first Poetry Slam in Anambra, hosted by Poets in Nigeria (PIN), Awka Connect Centre; 2018 Carter Literary Festival, Enugu; 2018 admission of writers into the Ebedi Writers Residency, Iseyi, the only writers residency in Nigeria; among other literary activities.
Indeed, 2018 has been a historic year for the Nigeria's literary industry, given the bizarre feats and achievements recorded by the members/ Nigerian writers in the year in their quest to advance globally in the field promote Nigerian Literature and Nigeria's image in the international community. In fact, the industry is believed to be among the few sectors that have consistently projected and upheld the image and dignity of the country till today. Ipso facto, it is optimistically believe that the sector and the actors will take even more historic dives and achieve more selcouth feats before the fall of 2019.
About The Author:
Izunna Okafor is an award-wining creative Young Nigerian Novelist, Poet, Essayist, Journalist, Editor, Translator, Publicist , Igbo Language Activist and an Administrator who hails from Ebenator in Nnewi South L.G.A of Anambra State Nigeria. He has published seven novels, won over 25 awards, and has over 800 articles published online.
His awards include:
Nigerian Writers Award/Indigenous Writer of The Year 2015/2016
Pita Nwana Prize For Igbo Literature 2015
Society of Young Nigerian Writers Award Nigeria
Heritage Icon Award/Young Writer of the Year Federal Republic of Nigeria 2016;
Merit Award from The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (2016);
Award of Recognition From Students’ Union Government, Unizik (2017)
Nigerian Writers Award/Young Writer of The Year 2015/2016;
N.Y.S.C. Essay Competition 2012;
SLAM Hero Youth International Award/Innovative Youth of the Year 2016;
AEYC/Youth Writer of The Year 2016
Award of Academic Excellence from The National Association of Public Administration Students (2016);
Inspire Award /Outstanding Youth in Academics 2017.
NAPAS Academic Icon of The Year 2017;
Anambra Campus Award 2017/Campus Writer of The Year 2017
Award of Excellence from The Society of Young Nigerian Writers 2016;
Anambra Exclusive Youth Choice Award/Outstanding Youth of the Year 2017;
Youth Writer of The Year 2016 NAPAS Essay Competition 2017;
Starlett Entertainment Award/Creative Writer of the Year 2016;
LitraNation Indigenous Book of The Month (December) 2016
Ambassador TFA in Nigeria
Creative Crew Africa/ Young Talent of The Year 2018, among others;
Campus Best Writer 2018/Campus Journalist of The Year 2018
Best Secretary General of NAPAS (2018).
